Manhunts in the Brazos Valley

There have been three extensive searches for suspects on the run in the Brazos Valley just this month. Law enforcement officials explain what goes into a manhunt and how much it costs.

" Each situation would have to be analyzed," said Brazos County Sheriff Chris Kirk.

They're dangerous assignments that require careful consideration. But Sheriff Kirk says sometimes a manhunt is the only option.

" In the case of a fleeing felon or someone we believe is dangerous to themselves or to others, we're going to do everything we can to interrupt that situation," said Kirk.

The sheriff's department conducts an average of 6 to 10 extensive manhunts a year. Despite the manpower requirements, they don't take a huge chunk out of the budget.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice assists with search dogs and horses at no charge. Agencies only incur the cost of additional man power and overtime.

Although it doesn't cost a lot of money to conduct a manhunt, it can cause slower response time for other calls since often times several officers are needed to help with the search.

Area law enforcement officials benefit from mutual aide agreements which provide extra help to ease the strain. Still, other factors often dictate how long a search will go on and when it will be called off.

"If we've called out a canine unit and lost track of the individual we'll call it off, and then it depends on the seriousness of the crime. If this an an aggravated assault or attempted murder or murder, that would make that manhunt last longer," said Lt Mark Langwell with College Station Police.

Authorities not only rely on the search teams but also the public's help when it comes to tracking down and capturing the target of a manhunt.

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